The proscribed Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) has announced that its leader, Nnamdi Kanu, has directed the total and permanent cancellation of the Monday sit-at-home across the South-East, starting from February 9, 2026.
The group’s spokesperson, Emma Powerful, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, saying the instruction came directly from Kanu.
IPOB introduced the sit-at-home in August 2021 as a protest against Kanu’s arrest, rendition to Nigeria and continued detention. The action usually led to the closure of markets, schools, banks and offices every Monday across the region.
However, Powerful said Kanu has now ordered that normal activities should resume every Monday, stressing that there is no longer any reason for people to stay indoors.
According to the statement, all markets, schools, offices, transport services and business activities must reopen fully from Monday.
“The Monday sit-at-home across the South-East is officially and permanently cancelled with effect from tomorrow, Monday, February 9, 2026,” the statement read.
Powerful said Kanu made the decision to ensure that children return to school and residents go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation.
He also warned that anyone attempting to enforce sit-at-home going forward would be acting against Kanu’s instruction and would be treated as an enemy of the people and the Biafran cause.
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The group further alleged that some individuals may still try to create fear or stage attacks to force residents indoors, urging the public to remain calm, vigilant and law-abiding.
At the same time, IPOB cautioned governors in the region against threatening traders who may still choose to stay at home out of solidarity.
The group specifically warned that any attempt by Governor Chukwuma Soludo or other governors to intimidate traders through demolition threats or forced market closures would be resisted.
IPOB also stated that any market renovation or reconstruction project requiring temporary relocation must only be done with the consent of stakeholders and proper arrangements for alternative trading spaces.
The group concluded by urging residents of the South-East to open their shops, go to work and send their children to school without fear, insisting that the sit-at-home era is now over.
